Originally Posted By: dnewton3
Originally Posted By: stockrex
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Allison requires that the spin on filter is changed at the initial 5k miles 1st time. The Allison has transynd, it is good for a long time.
That's not correct ...
Here is the official Allison change calculator:
http://www.allisontransmission.com/parts-service/fluid-filter-calculator
I will note, however, that Allison does not warrant (nor make) the "Allison 1000" in his HD truck. It is made in Baltimore by GM at their facility; they warrant that tranny. It is also NOT filled with Transynd (or any other TES-295 product, or even an approved Allison ATF); it is filled with Dex VI at the Baltimore facility.
If you look over the Allison site, they do not even make recommendations for non-Allision ATFs. Since his truck has Dex VI, it will not complete the calculation.
The TES-389 spec is essentially the old Dex-III(h) spec with the added compatibility for seals chemically. So if he had a dino Dex III in there, he can generally go 50k miles on the fluid and filter. Using Dex VI (a non-approved fluid) that has about twice the oxidation resistance and viscosity retention of the former Dex III, it would be roughly good to 100k miles. I would still do the spin-on filter at 50k miles.
Change the spin-on whenever you like, but 5k miles is a bit early. However, since GM is the one providing the warranty, I'd ask your dealer for written confirmation on the O/FCI schedule. I recommend using a DEX VI product; plenty of inexpensive ones out there now, even ST has one and it's licensed! Don't spend the money on a TES-295; you'll never get the value out of it. Dex VI is an excellent fluid, and while not as long-lasting as TES-295, it's far better than what you're ever going to put it through for a sensible OCI.
P.S. - no, he probably does not qualify for severe service either; pulling an RV every once in a while or commuting is NOT defined as severe by Allison. They reserve that designation for SERIOUS abuse, like trash-trucks, city buses, transit shuttles, etc.
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Is the transmission duty cycle severe? Severe Duty Cycle is when the transmission is equipped with transmission retarder or, used in on/off highway vocation, refuse vocation, transit vocation, or intercity coach that stops more than once per mile.
Uses where the average speed is super low, the temps are really high due to low airflow over the heat-exchanger, and the t/c rarely locks up, all while pulling heavy loads in summer heat, driven by the lowest-common-denominator making near-minimum-wage. THAT is what they define as "severe" service; not hauling a boat up the ramp or taking the horses to the show, or some other pansy example of pseudo-manly behavior.
Dave, so we have fake ally trans in our dmaxs? ;-)
Op, I am sorry, I stand corrected.
back in 08 Dec, when I bought mine, I looked up the service schedule, and there was an Allison service bulletin in a pdf file online. It mentioned a 5000 mile initial filter change and then 50000 miles then on.
I tried the calculator, it is pretty slick, after I tow a few times this summer, I will drain and fill my tranny with Transynd.
I don't have many miles but I have lot of idle time, I need to check my hour meter. I see ally recommends:
150,000 MILES (240 000 KM), 48 MONTHS, OR 4000 HOURS, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
My factory fill will be 7 year plus old this summer, I won't have anywhere near 4000 hours or the miles, but Dex vi will be drained and trans will go in.
Asking the GM guys is like asking my 4 year old is she has to pee. You will get a different answer everyday, I am fed up with them.